Best Buy Scheme - FAQs
How long is the licence agreement for?
One year.
Can I renew the use of the Best Buy Label after a year?
Yes, but you will need to disclose any changes to your company or product.
Does the Best Buy Label mean that that my company is a Best Buy?
No. Whilst we conduct research on the ethical and environmental record of the company behind the product, the Best Buy Label relates only to the product or service in question, not the company.
What happens if the ownership of my company changes during the year covered by the licence agreement. Will this affect the Best Buy licence?
It may do. There is an obligation within the terms of the agreement to inform us of any changes.
Can my company apply for the Best Buy Label?
No. The Ethical Consumer only invites those companies recommended in previously published reports.
I've already paid for accreditation with the Fairtrade Foundation, Soil Association and Vegetarian Society. Why should I buy another label from Ethical Consumer? Plus won't it just confuse shoppers?
What's unique about the Ethical Consumer Magazine Best Buy Label is that it's the only accreditation scheme that looks in detail at the ethical and environmental record of both the company behind the product and the product itself.
Plus unlike other schemes, companies can only be invited to apply for a label by Ethical Consumer once we're satisfied that they are indeed an ethical and environmental best buy.
Far from confusing shoppers, we believe that the Best Buy Label brings much needed clarity to an increasingly complicated
Currently a product could be certified organic but not be vegetarian, a Fairtrade product need not be organic, or a product could have all three accreditations but be made by a controversial multi-national corporation.
Because the Ethical Consumer is an established and trusted name within the ethical market, shoppers will be reassured that when buying a product or service carrying our Best Buy Label they're making the best possible ethical choice.
Can I delay when I actually sign up for the scheme? My product is a Best Buy and I'd like to buy a label but I'm not planning on re-designing my packaging for another six months.
Yes. You can choose to start using the scheme whenever you like, providing that in the interim nothing has changed to either your company or your product.
If anything has changed with either your company or product, Ethical Consumer will undertake to re-rate your company to ensure that it still meets our best buy criteria.
I have a small company which I believe is very ethical. How can I ensure that your researchers include my company in your product reports which would give me the chance of getting a Best Buy recommendation?
We welcome all approaches from companies who believe that they operate an ethical business and will endeavour to include them in future product reports.
Please contact us for a `company request form' so that we can enter your company onto our database.
What are the guidelines for using the Best Buy Label?
They are contained within the Licensing Agreement.
Who has signed up to the Best Buy Label so far?
Auro Paint, Charity Bank, Ebico, Equal Exchange, Essential Trading, Fair Deal Trading, Faith In Nature, Fry Group Foods, Good Energy, Green ISP, Green People, Mooncup, Nelsons, Organic Spirit Company, Rainbow Wholefoods, Soap Box, Solar Twin, Totsbots, Union Hand Roasted.
Applying for a Logo
The licensing agreement (pdf) has guidelines for use of the Best Buy Logo.
Download, sign and return it to:
Simon Birch
Ethical Consumer Magazine
Unit 21, 41 Old Birley Street
Manchester M15 5RE.
Upon receipt of the agreed fee and signed agreement, the Best Buy Logo artwork will be sent to you.
Or for more information, contact Simon Birch on 0161 226 2929 or email him here.